Tipping in Vietnam: A Guide by Industry

Unveiling the beauty of Vietnam goes beyond its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. It’s also about understanding the intricacies of local customs, and tipping is no exception. Unlike some countries where tipping is a mandatory add-on, Vietnam offers a more nuanced approach. This guide delves into the world of tipping in Vietnam, exploring industry-specific etiquette to ensure your “Xin Chào” (hello) is met with a genuine “Cảm Ơn” (thank you) – both verbally and through appropriate tipping practices.

The culture of tipping in Vietnam

Vietnam has a developing tipping culture, meaning tipping is not mandatory but increasingly appreciated, especially in tourist areas.

In Vietnam, tipping is more about expressing gratitude for exceptional service rather than a mandatory expectation. Here’s a deeper look at the tipping culture:

Not an Obligation, But Appreciated:

• Unlike some countries, tipping in Vietnam is not a requirement. You won’t be judged for not tipping, especially in non-touristy areas.
• However, a small tip is a way to show your appreciation for staff who go above and beyond to provide excellent service.

A Token of Thanks:

• Consider tipping when you receive service that is:
  • Friendly and attentive
  • Personalized and helpful
  • Goes the extra mile to make your experience enjoyable

Tipping in Vietnam: A Guide by Industry

Tipping in Vietnam is a gesture of appreciation rather than a mandatory custom. However, with the rise of tourism, tipping has become more prevalent, especially in certain industries. Here’s a breakdown of tipping etiquette across various service sectors in Vietnam:

Tipping in Vietnam at the restaurants:

• Scenario: You enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant with friendly and attentive service. The staff even helped you navigate the menu and offered recommendations.
• Tip: A 5-10% tip of the pre-tax bill is a kind gesture.
• Important Note: Many restaurants, especially in tourist areas, already include a service charge (usually around 10%) or VAT (Value Added Tax) in the bill. Check the bill carefully to avoid double tipping.
• Recommendation: If a service charge is included and the service is average, you don’t necessarily need to tip extra. However, if the service was exceptional, a small tip shows your appreciation.
• Pro Tip: Carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) for convenient tipping.

Tipping in Vietnam at the hotels:

• Scenario: The hotel porters helped you with your luggage efficiently and offered helpful information about the city. The housekeeper kept your room spotless and surprised you with a towel origami creation.
• Tip: Tipping hotel staff is not required, but a small token of appreciation is always welcome.
• Amount: Consider tipping 20,000-50,000 VND per person for exceptional service from porters, housekeepers, or concierge staff.
• Recommendation: If you received standard service, a tip is not necessary. However, if the staff went above and beyond to make your stay comfortable, a small tip is a nice way to say thank you.

Taxis and Ride-hailing Apps:

• Scenario: You take a taxi ride across town. The driver navigated heavy traffic efficiently and even helped you find your destination.
• Tip: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare to the nearest 5,000 or 10,000 VND is a common practice, especially if the driver provided good service or helped with your luggage.
• Ride-hailing Apps (Grab): With Grab, the most popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam, the fare is pre-determined and paid through the app. Tipping is not necessary.

Other Service Providers:

• Scenario: You had a fantastic tour with a knowledgeable and engaging guide who shared interesting local insights.
• Tip: Tipping tour guides is uncommon in Vietnam. However, if the guide provided exceptional service and made your tour truly memorable, a small tip (around 50,000 VND) is a way to show your appreciation.
• Similar Considerations: Tipping hairdressers, spa staff, or other service providers is not customary in Vietnam. However, if they provided outstanding service, a small tip is acceptable.

Additional things to keep in mind

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about tipping in Vietnam you need to know:

• Discreet Tipping: Unlike some cultures where tipping is done very openly, tipping in Vietnam is often a more discreet affair. You can hand the tip directly to the service person (e.g., placing it in their hand) or leave it on the table with the bill.
• Small Denominations: As mentioned before, carry small bills of Vietnamese Dong (VND) for convenient tipping. This avoids the need for the service person to break large bills and ensures they receive the full amount.
• Bargaining and Street Vendors: Tipping is not expected at street vendors or small shops where you bargain over the price. The agreed-upon price is the final cost.
• Luxury Establishments: In high-end restaurants or hotels with international clientele, tipping expectations might be closer to Western standards (around 10-15%). However, checking the bill for service charges is always best.
• Cultural Nuance: Tipping culture in Vietnam is still evolving, especially outside major tourist hubs. In some cases, refusing a tip might be seen as a sign of your satisfaction with the service. However, if the service person insists, a polite “Cảm ơn, không cần thiết” (kahm uhn, kahng kahn teet) which means “Thank you, it’s not necessary” should suffice.